AUBURN | Auburn and Houston have only met six times in the programs’ histories, and it hasn’t happened since 1973, so it will be a battle of unfamiliar opponents as the two meet in the 2021 Birmingham Bowl.

The Cougars finished 11-2 this season, their only losses coming in the season-opener against Texas Tech and playoff-bound Cincinnati in the AAC Championship, so this is not a team that the Tigers should or can overlook. A potent offense led by quarterback Clayton Tune will challenge Auburn’s defense, while a stout defense will look to shut down Tank Bigsby and the Tigers’ rushing game.

Here are five early things to know about Auburn’s opponent in the Birmingham Bowl.

1. Dude, You’re Getting a Dell

It’s no secret who Tune likes to throw the ball to. Nathaniel Dell finished the season with 80 receptions (T-17 in FBS) for 1,179 yards and 12 touchdowns (T-6 in FBS). Oh, and get this: his nickname is Tank. While he’s not big at 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, he uses his excellent route-running and speed to get open. So the matchup between him and Auburn’s secondary will be crucial.

2. Mr. Do-It-All

It’d be wise for Auburn to look on the opposite side of the field from wherever Marcus Jones is playing. This season, the senior cornerback from Enterprise, Ala., has five interceptions and 13 pass breakups. Oh, and he gets even better from there. He’s returned 15 kickoffs for 510 yards and two scores while returning 26 punts for 374 yards and two touchdowns. So the Tigers must keep an eye on him, whether on offense, defense or special teams.

3. Run Stoppers

Auburn had trouble getting the running game to its full potential this season, which will again prove difficult against the Cougars. Houston ranks 13th in the FBS in rush defense, allowing 106.92 yards per game. Only two teams have rushed for more than 200 yards against them: Navy on 55 rushes and Cincinnati in the AAC title game. Lineman Logan Hall leads the defensive front, recording 13 tackles for a loss this season.

4. Quite Efficient

Once Houston gets the ball into the opposing red zone, the Cougars are more than likely to score. In 54 attempts this season, they scored 38 touchdowns and settled for 10 field goals. Most of these scores went to running back Alton McCaskill, who has rushed for 16 scores this season. Kicker Dalton Witherspoon is perfect on six field-goal attempts from less than 30 yards.

5. Penalty Prone

The Cougars aren’t exactly the most disciplined team, averaging 6.5 penalties for 63.5 yards per game. That ranks 105th in the FBS, while Auburn ranks 40th. It could turn into a chippy game with Houston trying to prove to an SEC team that they belong on the same field. Add in a likely pro-Auburn crowd, and the Cougars will likely come out with a chip on their shoulder.